PodMov Daily: Friday, January 24

Episode 128: Week Download Complete

Ear Hustle-Inspired Storytelling Awakens Pelican Bay

Paul Critz of Crescent City, California was well-equipped to produce a podcast inside Pelican Bay State Prison. He’d been a transformative presence in local radio when he was approached about the project. David Hayes of the Del Norte Triplicate spoke with Critz about the development and impact of Pelican Bay Unlocked.

The renowned podcast Ear Hustle, created by Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor about San Quentin State Prison, was the model. Unlocked quickly took on an unexpected focus. “I was presented with a topic — the Awakening — at that very first meeting back in April,” Critz told Hayes. “‘What’s the Awakening?’ I ask. ‘Tell me about it.’ I didn’t know.”

Through the audio journalism class, the inmate podcasters do just that, sharing stories of hunger strikes protesting “extended solitary confinement,” and how they led to rehabilitation reform. Critz is passionate about the podcasting program: “To contribute to that historical record keeps me all jazzed and keeps me up at night.”

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One Host, Two Host: How Many Voices are Ideal?

In an insightful article for Discover the Best Podcasts, Frank Racioppi investigates the question of co-hosts: How many voices and perspectives are ideal? “This dilemma goes often unresolved by new podcasters who become paralyzed by conflicting information […] So how does a new podcaster make that critical decision?”

Racioppi compares the characteristics and strengths of successful podcasts ranging from single-host to multi-mic group dialogue. Within categories, the interview aspect is a key consideration. Both considered ‘single’ hosts, Chris Molanphy of Slate’s Hit Parade runs the show solo, while Shankar Vedantam of Hidden Brain brings in rotating experts.

The length of your show, its topic, and the skills you use to engage your audience are all important factors. If your show currently has more than one host, the article’s breakdown of what works (and why) may help optimize the creative relationship you and your counterpart(s) share in the studio.

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Apple TV+ and Little America's Companion Podcast

Apple will be developing original podcasts around shows on its Apple TV+ streaming service, confirms Sarah Perez in TechCrunch. “Such a move would represent a big jump by Apple into the world of original podcasts, if and when it comes to pass,” Perez points out. “Today, the company’s selection of Apple-produced podcasts are limited to things like Apple keynotes, special events and quarterly earnings calls — not really what you think of as original audio programming.”

The Apple TV+ anthology series Little America will have an audio companion, executive producer Lee Eisenberg said in a Forbes interview: “We’re doing a podcast to delve more into the stories and the music on the show.” Hit drama The Morning Show is reportedly also being considered for a companion audio series, part of a push to optimize what’s proven popular.

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Keynote Magic: There's More in Store at Evolutions

Happy Friday, readers, and here’s to inspiration. Ear Hustle creators Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor inspired us on the keynote stage at PM19 and have inspired many changemaking podcasts like the one in our top feature. Check out the most recent season of PM Sessions for exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation.

Join us at Evolutions for more remarkable keynote speakers, including Misha Euceph, Ad Week’s 2019 Producer of the Year, and James Altucher, renowned entrepreneur and podcaster. Get inspired and stay inspired!

Cheers,

Team PM

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Here's what else is going on:

• S Loving cup: Luka Starmer of In Reno News & Review interviews Brian Melendez, creator and host of Coffee with an Indian. Part memoir and part ethnographic storytelling, the podcast “decode[s] topics for listeners coming from different backgrounds.”

• Five stars: Colin Gray’s 5-part series on recording professional, face-to face podcast interviews concludes with a shopping list. Equipment suggestions are arranged in tiers from ‘budget’ to ‘Gold Standard,’ with helpful comparison and explanation of features.

• Tune in: The Infinite Dial 2020 webinar, presented by Edison Research and Triton Digital, will take place on Thursday, March 19th, at 1:00 pm ET. For the first time, Tom Webster and John Rosso will deliver the presentation live in NYC.

• Mix tape: Pocket Casts is implementing a “total redesign” of its discovery interface, according to Android Police. Guest List, a new feature going live in February, will offer listeners curated show recommendations from popular podcasters.